Pakistan - Sehwan Sharief
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Sehwan Sharief

Sehwan

The town of Sehwan is 300 Kilometers about five hours drive from Karachi on Indus Highway, which forks right of Super Highway just before Hyderabad at Jamshoro past University of Sindh. The city is known for its patron saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) who lived here in 13th century AD. Now, his Mazar (tomb) stands there. It is beautiful and amazing, but it is new. Government of Pakistan pulled down the ancient tomb to build this new one. The prime reason was space. The old tomb structure was too small for such an immense crowd.

Recommended for:

This town is recommended for those people who want to learn and observe and feel Sufism. You must have heard about Mulana Rumi (Turkey). Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) also belongs to this Sufi order.Apart from the splendid Mazar, there is a Pathan charity center which provides around 13,000 rotis (Pakistani bread) to all those who are hungry. And being a small town, this center virtually feeds the entire population who is generally poor. The soup is also provided with the rotis. There is no limit to the number of rotis that a poor man can have!Apart from serving poor people, there are guest rooms for travelers who have no resources and wish to stay in one of the rooms. Mostly, the families are entertained. I visited Sehwan Sharif in March, 2004 and wanted to stay, but wasn't given any place.

Temple:

There is a temple nearby which belonged to a Hindu Raja and was discovered recently. It provides a good view of the town from the top.Religious sites:All Mazars are religious sites for Muslims. And all the things used by saints are also religious for most of the Muslims. Therefore, the places where Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA) stayed, prayed, performed miracles are all preserved to this day. Don't think that government of Pakistan has done anything for them. It is the love of all people who cherish the memories of great saint that endures and that has led to all this preservations.

Festivals:

Ashura 9 and 10 Moharram 1st Month of Islamic calendar (it varies according to moon sightings in Pakistan). The shia community mourn in the memory of the family of the Prophet Mohammad PBUH. The devotes torture their bodies to get a feel of the immense pain the family of the holy prophet had due to the opression of the Yazid (A Muslim wanting to be the Muslim political leader then).

The major festival however is quite colourful and devoid of blood splitting. It is the Urs Sharif of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar (RA), and like Moharram, the dates vary due to moon. Check out with PTDC information center when you are in Pakistan. And they will guide you.

Hotels:

There is a STDC (Sindh Tourism Development Department) hotel. You can get the details and reservation by contacting us

Note: All hotels are full during the Urs Sharif. And the food can get expensive. Atleast for the backpackers.

Nearby Attractions:

Manchar lake : Asia's largest lake

World famous Mohen-ja-Daro is some two hour drive from Sehwan Sharif. You can get a bus easily from Sehwan bus stop. Seat for one cost around Rs. 100 to Larkana. From Larkana you can hire a taxi for the full day for Rs. 1000. If you want to go for two hours then it will cost you Rs. 250 (two way fare).

Bahawalpur is the starting point to explore the Cholistan Desert. Interesting Safaris can be organised from Bahawalpur to Cholistan.